Under Mike Vrabel's dynamic leadership, the Patriots have set out to remake their roster from top to bottom. Positions will be won or lost on the field on merit, not entitlement. It's refreshing to see the team respond so dramatically and positively to a change in leadership.
Vrabel hasn't been reluctant to move on from players who don't fit his style for whatever reason, by trade or release. Former starters have been shown the exit. New players have been brought into the team by the dozens. More change is likely before the final 53-man roster is set before the first game against Pete Carroll's Raiders.
One player who's staying is linebacker/edge, Christian Elliss. He's been astutely signed to an extension by Vrabel. Matt Holder of Bleacher Report has high regard for Elliss.
Christian Elliss is considered the Patriots "best kept secret" for the 2025 season
Holder cites Ellis's rather difficult road to the Patriots before landing a solid contract extension this offseason. The 26-year-old Elliss is in his fifth NFL season and bouncing around a bit before finding a home in Foxborough. Here's what Holder says about Elliss in his article,
"The Elliss family has deep roots in the NFL. Christian’s father, Luther, is a former first-round pick and two-time Pro Bowler for the Lions. Also, his brothers, Kaden and Jonah, currently play for the Falcons and Broncos, respectively.
Christian’s professional career got off to a bumpy start, getting cut or waived by the Vikings, Eagles and 49ers before landing with the Patriots. But he proved to be a well-rounded linebacker in New England last season, posting 80 total tackles, five passes defended and five QB hits (1.5 sacks) in 16 games with just five starts."
Holder cites the critical reason Elliss got his new deal: he had a breakout season in 2024. On a poor defense, he logged solid statistics with little help. With only five starts, he stood out by making plays, something few others on the Patriots' defense could do.
Elliss is poised to explode onto the NFL scene in 2025
His 2024 season presages a promising future for the 6'2', 231-pound linebacker who fits the size and speed profile of a Mike Vrabel linebacker to a T. There will be little room for the former prototypical big, slow Patriots linebackers of the Belichick and Mayo teams. That's history.
Vrabel's off-the-ball linebackers will have to be fast, agile, and possess sideline-to-sideline ability. Elliss fits the bill. He was made for a Vrabel defense and,along with top free agent signee Robert Spillane, and Jack Gibbens, will provide a new dimension on the second level of the Patriots' D.
More of the former type of linebackers may exit before the season begins. The team has already cut ties with former captain and starting linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley. Expect another holdover or two to join him playing elsewhere in 2025. Elliss is indeed a "best kept secret," but he won't be for long. Expect him to join Spillane in an offense-wrecking second level this season.
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